Kampala — Over 60 illegal drug shops have been closed by the National Drug Authority in the western region. The regional drug inspector, Kenneth Kiiza, recently said the operation to crack down on the illegal stores was carried out in Hoima, Kibaale, Masindi, Mubende and Mityana districts last week.

He said some of the drug shops lacked operational licences, while others were being operated by unqualified people. Kiiza said some shops had been turned into clinics and patients were being admitted.

He said Victor Bineni of Nanda village in Mutunda sub-county, Masindi district, was arrested over performing illegal surgical operations at her home. Kiiza added that most of the patients who were operated on by Bineni died, while others were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital in critical conditions.

Kiiza said Bineni possessed forged documents indicating that she was a trained doctor from the DR Congo. He noted that unqualified drug shop and clinic operators administer wrong medications, which often result into death or dangerous complications.

Under the National Drug Authority Act of 1993, any one charged with illegal possession of classified drugs or operating an illegal drug shop commits an offence which carries a maximum sentence of five years.